Annual report 2017

Summary:

Report published by the Community of European Railways (CER) in February 2018 concerning its activities in 2017.

Further information:

In 2017, CER devoted a great deal of effort to the implementation of the Safety and Interoperability Directives, which are part of the Fourth Railway Package. The harmonisation of certification and authorisation processes under the control of the EU Agency for Railways is seen as a major leap in shaping a real Single European Railway Area, and fostering better services for passengers and goods.

The European Commission published in May 2017 the legislative package Europe on the Move, including the revision of the Eurovignette Directive. It is regarded as another chance to redress the existing shortcomings in intermodal competition from the aspect of infrastructure charging and internalisation of external costs while contributing to safer European roads.

CER has also been following the Brexit negotiations, acting as an interlocutor for the institutions of the European Union (EU) by highlighting potential challenges and their corresponding solutions. The debate on the shape and size of the EU's Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) has heated up, and CER's key message is that rail infrastructure but also rolling stock and system technology need sufficient resources in the forthcoming MFF and a strong grant-based policy such as the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). CER also continues to hold its discussions with representatives of customers’ associations. The proposed recast of Regulation (EC) No 1371/2007 on rail passenger rights as well as other important files such as the European Accessibility Act (EAA) have been at the centre of the debate.

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